Snap lock trim system and method

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a moveable trim system, comprising: at least one trim piece, the trim piece comprising; a trim body; a lock and release mechanism coupled to the trim body; at least one weatherproof seal; and an integrated drainage channel; at least one anchor strip, the anchor strip secured via fasteners to the structure to be covered by the trim piece and the anchor strip providing coupling for the lock and release mechanism; wherein the trim piece is moveable from a removed position which permits access to the structure under the trim piece and a locked position where the structure is covered by the trim piece.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present specification relates generally to building structures, and more particularly to a system and method for trim installation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following includes information that may be useful in understanding the present disclosure. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art nor material to the presently described or claimed inventions, nor that any publication or document that is specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

All buildings, whether residential or commercial, have one or more types of trim secured to the structure in order to seal the doors and windows. Additionally, the building includes a finish or cladding system to prevent the elements from degrading the underlying building components, as well as to provide the finished look and aesthetic to the building. Again, the type and material of the finish or cladding system may vary from building to building.

Recently, newer cladding systems have been developed that require trained installers and special sealants to complete a weatherproof envelope for the build. On top of these requirements, there may be other issues that must be addressed to ensure the final fit and finish are acceptable. For example, with a rigid or inflexible cladding system, areas which have short span require the installer to either fit pieces in from the top or otherwise try to install the trim after the cladding and then try to finalize the weatherproof seal. Either method is very difficult, and there is currently no easier solution for installation of rigid board cladding systems.

Thus, it would be desirable to have trim system which mitigates some of the installation disadvantages with rigid board cladding systems.

Accordingly, there remains a need for improvements in the art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with an aspect of the invention, there is provided a trim system and installation method for use with rigid board cladding.

According to an embodiment of the invention, there is provided a moveable trim system, comprising: at least one trim piece, the trim piece comprising; a trim body; a lock and release mechanism coupled to the trim body; at least one weatherproof seal; and an integrated drainage channel; at least one anchor strip, the anchor strip secured via fasteners to the structure to be covered by the trim piece and the anchor strip providing coupling for the lock and release mechanism; wherein the trim piece is moveable from a removed position which permits access to the structure under the trim piece and a locked position where the structure is covered by the trim piece; and wherein the weatherproof seal and drainage channel act in concert to prevent moisture penetration under the trim piece. The trim system may further provide that the locking mechanism is unlockable to permit movement of the trim piece from the locked position to the removed position. Additionally, the trim system may further include a movement mechanism coupled to the trim body and couplable to the anchor strip, the movement mechanism operable to retain the trim piece to the anchor strip while in the removed position.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, there is provided A trim piece for covering a structure, comprising: a trim body; a lock and release mechanism coupled to the trim body, the lock and release mechanism operable to engage an anchor strip on the structure; at least one weatherproof seal; and an integrated drainage channel, wherein the trim piece is moveable from an removed position which permits access to the structure under the trim piece and a locked position where the structure is covered by the trim piece; and wherein the weatherproof seal and drainage channel act in concert to prevent moisture penetration under the trim piece. The trim piece may further include a movement mechanism coupled to the trim body operable to retain the trim piece in the removed position while remaining coupled to the anchor strip on the structure. Additionally, the locking mechanism may be unlockable to permit movement of the trim piece from the locked position to the removed position.

According to a still further embodiment of the invention, there is provided a kit for a trim system and trim pieces described above.

For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description.

Other aspects and features according to the present application will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings which show, by way of example only, embodiments of the invention, and how they may be carried into effect, and in which:

FIG. 1A is a side view of a trim piece in a locked position according to an embodiment;

FIG. 1B is a side view of the trim piece of FIG. 1A in an unlocked position;

FIG. 2 is a cross-section of a trim piece according to an embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a cross-section of a trim piece according to an embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a side view of an interior trim piece according to an embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a cross-section of overlapping trim pieces according to an embodiment;

FIG. 6A is a side view of a trim piece in a locked position according to an embodiment;

FIG. 6B is a side view of the trim piece of FIG. 6B in an unlocked position;

FIG. 7 is a side view of a trim piece in an unlocked position according to an embodiment; and

FIG. 8 is a slide view of a trim piece in a locked position according to an embodiment.

Like reference numerals indicated like or corresponding elements in the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The present invention relates to building structures and, in particular, to a moveable, lockable trim system for use in installation of cladding or interior wall finishes.

The present invention is a mountable or moveable trim system which may be snap locked to a bracket or moved in order to facilitate the installation of cladding, painting, or other wall finishings. In exterior applications, it may provide a weatherproof seal at doors, windows and corners. In interior applications, it may assist in keeping out drafts around windows and doors. Preferably, in addition to weatherproofing, it may also maintain or improve the insulation values of exterior cladding systems. The system may be used as a DIY (do-it-yourself) system or a professional system without significant change.

According to an embodiment as shown in FIG. 1, a trim system 100 comprises a trim piece 110 with a finished outer surface, a movement mechanism 120 secured to the trim piece 110, a weather strip 130 and or a soft weatherproof seal 135, a lock and release system 140 and an anchor strip 150 secured to a wall 190 or other component of the building structure. The combination of movement mechanism 120 and lock and release system 140 enables the piece 110 to be moved for the purpose of installing “hard board” or rigid siding systems on the building structure and then slid back into place and locked into a finished position unless and until released. Thus, after installation, the trim piece 110 may be released and moved away to enable repairs, modifications or other improvements to the wall surface and then slid and re-locked into place without the need to pull fasteners and possibly damaging the piece and/or the wall finishing. Movement may be side-to-side, up-and-down and/or inward/outward dependent on the nature of movement mechanism 120 and lock and release mechanism 140.

When used with cladding, an “end of cladding” mark 170 may be added for use as a fitting guide and an additional drainage channel.

For use with corners or rounded (round) trim pieces the movement mechanism 120 may be a hinge system such as the double articulated hinged joint shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, a telescoping mechanism as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, a rail mechanism as shown in FIG. 7 or a straight snap lock mechanism as shown in FIG. 8. For linear trim pieces, a sliding mechanism as shown in FIG. 2 or a pivoting mechanism as shown in FIG. 3 may be used. Non-moveable interior corner pieces are shown in FIG. 4.

Additionally, exterior trim systems should incorporate a drainage channel or bevel to carry moisture away from the building envelope. The drainage channel may be a vertical groove or channel that sheds water (accumulated moisture) downward to an adjacent trim piece or to the face of the cladding system to be carried down to grade. When draining to an adjacent trim piece, as with a window sill, the piece should be sloped to carry water out and away from the structure either clear of the structure, or down the face of the cladding system. For round or rounded trim pieces, the molding should be beveled (sloped) to carry water outward to the face of the cladding system. These drainage systems should be considered as secondary measures for additional protection beyond the primary functionality of the soft seal weather strip 130.

Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, a trim piece 110 is secured to an exterior wall 190 by an anchor strip 150, which is itself secured to wall 190 using nails or similar anchors or fasteners. Weatherproof soft seals 135 and/or weather strips 130 are attached to trim piece 110 at either end to prevent weather penetration. Movement mechanism 120 is created via hinges 160 which create a collapsible articulating double-hinged corner joint. Locking mechanism 140 may be a snap or other tension-based removeable fastener as shown. As shown in FIG. 1B, the trim piece 110 may be moved away from the wall 190 to permit access for installation of cladding, repairs or other work. The trim piece 110 may then be moved back to the locked position shown in FIG. 1A and locked in place with locking mechanism 140.

An alternative movement mechanism for a linear trim piece 110 is shown in FIG. 2, where bracket ‘A’ on trim piece 110 and bracket ‘B’ on anchor strip 150 are slidably engaged and disengaged via a slot 210 in bracket ‘A’ which is slidably moveable via pins 220 in bracket ‘B’ and a protrusion 230 which engages slot 210 to lock bracket ‘A’ in position. The trim piece 110 may then be slid between an unlocked and locked positions to uncover and cover cladding 180. End of cladding mark 170 is used to position cladding 180 during installation and may further act as a drainage channel. A variant as shown in FIG. 3 using a hinge 310 secured to anchor strip 150 and a snap locking mechanism 140 to enable the trim piece 110 to be pivoted between the locked position over the cladding 180 (as shown) and an removed or unlocked position (not shown) to expose the cladding 180 and wall structure underneath, as needed.

A trim piece 110 for an interior corner is shown in FIG. 4. For the interior corners, the trim piece 110 is not required to be moveable after installation. Where trim pieces 110 are required to overlap, a miter joint 510 to permit an interlocking engagement as shown in FIG. 5 should be provided along one or more edges.

Another alternative movement mechanism for a corner trim piece 100 is shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B. Referring to FIG. 6A, a telescoping mechanism 610 is positioned at the center of trim piece 110 and engages anchor strip 150 at a corner of wall 190. Trim piece may then be pulled away from wall 190 with telescoping mechanism 610 extending as shown in FIG. 6B. A similar alternative movement mechanism using a sliding rail mechanism 710 is shown in FIG. 7.

Another alternative structure for a corner trim piece 110 is shown in FIG. 8. As shown, trim piece 110 is secured to a wall mounted bracket 850 which is secured to wall 190. Lock and release mechanism 140 then secures trim piece 110 to the bracket 850 using snap locks or similar mechanisms without any additional movement mechanism as shown earlier. Once locked, trim piece 110 may be removed from the bracket 850 by applying suitable force, while bracket 850 remains secured to the wall 190.

The movement mechanism 120 should be constructed of suitable materials based on the application. Light duty mechanisms may be constructed from lightweight plastics, medium duty from aluminum or other light metals and heavy duty from galvanized steel or similar materials.

The finish for trim piece 110 may be varied according to the desired construction purposes and visual aesthetics. Wood textures, smooth finishes, patterned finishes and stucco are common options, among others. Similar, the body of trim piece 110 may be made from foam, plastics, wood or metal based on duty requirements as discussed above for the movement mechanism, as well as the requirements for the finish.

The trim system described above may be distributed as kit with installation instructions suitable for use in either commercial or DIY installations.

As an alternative to the lock and release mechanism 140 described above, a single use locking mechanism may be used. In this alternative, trim piece 110 is installed in an unlocked position, the cladding installation or other desired work is performed, and then trim piece 110 is moved into position via movement mechanism 120 and effectively permanently locked into placed.

It should also be noted that the steps described in the method of use can be carried out in many different orders according to user preference. The use of “step of” should not be interpreted as “step for”, in the claims herein and is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f). It should also be noted that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other methods for insulating, protecting and installing are taught herein.

The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. Certain adaptations and modifications of the invention will be obvious to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the presently discussed embodiments are considered to be illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A moveable trim system, comprising: at least one trim piece, the trim piece comprising; a trim body; a lock and release mechanism coupled to the trim body; at least one weatherproof seal; and an integrated drainage channel; at least one anchor strip, the anchor strip secured via fasteners to the structure to be covered by the trim piece and the anchor strip providing coupling for the lock and release mechanism; wherein the trim piece is moveable from a removed position which permits access to the structure under the trim piece and a locked position where the structure is covered by the trim piece; and wherein the weatherproof seal and drainage channel act in concert to prevent moisture penetration under the trim piece.
 2. The trim system of claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism is unlockable to permit movement of the trim piece from the locked position to the removed position.
 3. The trim system of claim 1, further including a movement mechanism coupled to the trim body and couplable to the anchor strip, the movement mechanism operable to retain the trim piece to the anchor strip while in the removed position.
 4. The trim system of claim 3, wherein the movement mechanism is an articulated double-hinge mechanism.
 5. The trim system of claim 3, wherein the movement mechanism is a telescoping mechanism.
 6. The trim system of claim 3, wherein the movement mechanism is a sliding rail mechanism.
 7. The trim system of claim 3, wherein the movement mechanism is a pivoting mechanism.
 8. The trim system of claim 1, wherein the locking mechanism is a snap mechanism.
 9. The trim system of claim 1, wherein the trim piece further comprises a mitered end to connect with an adjoining trim piece.
 10. A trim piece for covering a structure, comprising: a trim body; a lock and release mechanism coupled to the trim body, the lock and release mechanism operable to engage an anchor strip on the structure; at least one weatherproof seal; and an integrated drainage channel, wherein the trim piece is moveable from an removed position which permits access to the structure under the trim piece and a locked position where the structure is covered by the trim piece; and wherein the weatherproof seal and drainage channel act in concert to prevent moisture penetration under the trim piece.
 11. The trim piece of claim 10, further comprising a movement mechanism coupled to the trim body operable to retain the trim piece in the removed position while remaining coupled to the anchor strip on the structure.
 12. The trim piece of claim 10, wherein the locking mechanism is unlockable to permit movement of the trim piece from the locked position to the removed position.
 13. The trim piece of claim 11, wherein the movement mechanism is an articulated double-hinge mechanism.
 14. The trim piece of claim 11, wherein the movement mechanism is a telescoping mechanism.
 15. The trim piece of claim 11, wherein the movement mechanism is a sliding rail mechanism.
 16. The trim piece of claim 11, wherein the movement mechanism is a pivoting mechanism.
 17. The trim piece of claim 10, wherein the locking mechanism is a snap mechanism.
 18. The trim piece of claim 10, wherein the trim piece further comprises a mitered end to connect with an adjoining trim piece.
 19. A kit for a moveable trim system for covering a structure, comprising: a plurality of trim pieces, each trim piece comprising; a trim body; a lock and release mechanism coupled to the trim body, the lock and release mechanism operable to engage an anchor strip on the structure; at least one weatherproof seal; and an integrated drainage channel; a plurality of anchor strips, each anchor strip secured via fasteners to the structure to be covered by the trim piece, each anchor strips providing coupling for the lock and release mechanisms; wherein each trim piece is moveable from an removed position which permits access to the structure under the trim piece and a locked position where the structure is covered by the trim piece; and wherein the weatherproof seal and drainage channel on each trim piece act in concert to prevent moisture penetration under the trim pieces.
 20. The kit of claim 19, further including a movement mechanism coupled to the trim body and couplable to the anchor strip, the movement mechanism operable to retain the trim piece to the anchor strip while in the removed position. 